The title dreams of Alas Pilipinas ended after falling to host country Bahrain in the group phase of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men.
Alas Pilipinas bid farewell to their title dreams in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men early Tuesday, June 4.
The Philippines put up a valiant effort but it was once again not enough, falling to host country Bahrain, 18-25, 23-25, 20-25.
Reeling from a tough campaign-opening loss to world no. 32 China a day ago, the Filipinos played with a sense of urgency in the opening frame, figuring in a seesaw battle with the Bahraini.
However, Bahrain, silver medalist in the 2023 edition of the tournament, shattered a 12-all deadlock and turned it into a 22-15 lead with a 10-3 spurt, capped by an off-the-block hit from Ali Khamis.
Several sequences later, Hashem Ali Sayed delivered the set-clinching blows for an early buffer.
Alas, jolted to its senses, stayed within striking distance of Bahrain in the second frame, behind the collective hats of Owa Retamar, Marck Espejo, Jau Umandal, Kim Malabunga, and Jade Disquitado.
Umandal then forged a 21-all lock after blocking Mohamed Abdulia. Sayed created crucial separation for Bahrain, but Disquitado kept the Philippines close behind, 23-24.
However, Naser Anan denied the comeback bid of the Filipinos with a crosscourt attack for a 2-0 set advantage.
The Bahraini, with a win within sight, brewed a solid blend of offense and defense in the decisive third set to seize a 22-18 lead.
Malabunga tried to snatch the momentum from the hosts, but Hasan Haider, Abdulia, and Sayed slammed the door shut on the Philippines, nailing the finishing touches.
The Philippines now set its sights on the classification stage.